Postdoc in Marine propulsion systems for wind assisted vessels

Sailing merchant ships have gained an increasing interest in recent years as one solution to reach the goal of 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emission from shipping by 2050 set up by IMO. We are offering a post-doctoral position to make pioneering research on the marine propulsion system for a motor sailing vessel. The main objective of this project is to improve our understanding of the condition experienced by the components of the propulsion system.

Information about the research and the division
A neglected part of the concepts or research that have been presented related to WASP, wind assisted ship propulsion, is on the conventional marine propulsion system: propeller, rudder, and appendages. This is still an essential part of the vessel concept, necessary to be able to keep a minimum speed and safe operation during adverse weather conditions or when wind speeds are low. But the marine propulsion system will thus operate under very different design conditions than for conventional vessel, requiring new understanding and tool development. The objective of this project is therefore to perform CFD based analysis of new design concepts for the propeller and rudder and their control. With the expected lightly loaded conditions, with high risk of flow separation on hull, propellers, and appendages, it is expected that scale effects will be considerable. Thus a particlar focus in the research will be to develop a validated CFD capability for full scale performance assessment. The project is one of several at the department that relates to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development .

This position is in the research group of Prof Rickard Bensow and is part of the Kongsberg University Technology Centre in Computational Hydrodynamics hosted at Chalmers since 2002 (previously within the Rolls-Royce group). Here both long-term strategic research as well as industrial method development are performed in close collaboration with the engineers at Kongsberg Maritime Sweden AB, one of the world's leading suppliers of marine propulsion systems. Utilisation and industrial impact of the research are key to this successful long-term cooperation, and this project will directly support commercial questions experienced within Kongsberg. In addition, SSPA Sweden AB is part of the project where WASP are prevalent both in commercial work and in a specialist committee on WASP within the ITTC that SSPA is chairing.

The research group is placed in the division of Marine Technology, well recognised internationally for its research in marine structures and hydrodynamics. Most relevant for this work is the expertise in marine propulsion systems and cavitation. We work primarily with computational method development and design analysis based on detailed simulations with the objective to reduce the environmental impact of ships, relating both to emissions to air and water as well as to operation and maintenance. The atmosphere in the division is friendly and encourages an open discussion. You'll have several colleagues, both PhD students, post-docs, and faculty, working on different aspects on WASP as well as on propulsion hydrodynamics within the division as well as at SSPA and Kongsberg.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility will be to pursue the research and development within the project. You are expected to develop your own scientific ideas and concepts, and to communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You will be guided by senior researchers at the involved department and companies. The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Qualifications
To qualify as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the current project, you must have a PhD degree in a relevant field and it should not be older than three years. You like to work independently and you plan and think strategically. You are creative and like to put new ideas into practice. You have a solid interest in fluid dynamics, and an ability to perform both experimental and simulation work of high quality. You like to work in interdisciplinary projects and you have the ability to discuss and communicate your work with people from different backgrounds. We also believe that you are a motivated person, with a strong curiosity and a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English, as well as an ability to plan and organize the work involved.  Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220047 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV:(Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 13 March, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Professor Rickard Bensow, Marine Technology
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +46 31 7721479

Arash Eslamdoost, Marine Technology
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +46 31 772 3684

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!    

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